Crumbling Capitol: Concrete falls from ceiling, lands on desk; no one injured

OKLAHOMA CITY – Engineers are investigating after a chunk of concrete crashed through the first floor of the State Capitol, landing on top of a desk in the basement.

Officials said a three-to-five pound piece of concrete fell over the weekend.

Thankfully no one was working there at the time.

Speaker of the House Jeff Hickman says weather could be the reason behind the crumbling capitol.

Hickman said, “I think it’s probably caused by moisture that’s gotten under the rebar and it’s expanded and we have pieces of concrete that are now following.”

An architect has been called in to investigate and the office is now shutdown.

The capitol has been in need of repairs for awhile.

One side is blocked off to the public.

Two years ago limestone on the outside of the capitol started to come loose and fall.

Right now there is a house joint resolution that would provide a $120 million bond to make repairs and renovations at the Capitol.

If approved by the Senate, the issue will be in the November ballot.

House Speaker Jeff Hickman sent this statement:

“We all have a responsibility to protect everyone that visits and works inside the State Capitol. The crumbling concrete inside House offices today provides more evidence that the Capitol is in desperate need of immediate attention. We continue to work on a plan this session that will provide sufficient funds and appropriate oversight to restore our State Capitol.”